Teacher Certification and the Rhee Firings

Late last week, DC School Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee fired 250 teachers for a mix of poor performance and certification problems.  Details are still flowing in as to the exact numbers, but from what I can gather approximately 110 the teachers in question were dismissed on account of being uncertified.  

I'm particularly interested in hearing more details from Rhee and others as to the 110 with certification problems.  Were these teachers who were otherwise solid, or was "certification" simply a useful technicality to pink slip poor teachers?  Were these really the only 110 uncertified teachers in DC?  If not, what standard was used to pick these 110?  

  

Strange Bedfellows: Home Schoolers in the Teacher Certification Debate

WorldNet Daily serves up this report on the home schooling community's stance on teacher certification (like I said, strange bedfellows).

As one might guess, many in the homeschooling community are skeptical of teacher certification laws, particularly when they stand in the way of educating one's own children. The "Myth of Teacher Qualifications," as the report dubs it, is a sort of intellectual defense for homeschoolers against state efforts to place certification rules on them. At present, the certification laws vary widely by state.

What strikes me about this report is the extent to which it reveals my own double standard. As opposed as I am to typical teacher certification requirements, I'm inclined to agree that the homeschooling community ought to live up to a certification standard of some sort. Whereas a public school student is, at any given time, under the influence of multiple administrators and teachers, a homeschooling student is much more dependent on the quality of 1-2 teachers. In this situation, the risks of gross underqualification are just too high. If states see fit to require rudimentary certification of some sort, I'm inclined to agree.

Update: Teacher Certification Reform in Connecticut

It what seems to have been an impressive fit of partisan bickering, Connecticut has officially failed to make some much needed reforms to its teacher certification process.

For details on the proposed changes, see this earlier post.

Update: At the last minute the legislature has reversed course, passed the certification reforms, and passed it on the the governor for signature!  

Here's to you, Connecticut General Assembly!

A Quality Teacher Certification Program in Florida

Given my frequent broad-stroke bashing of teacher education programs, I think it's only fair to share news of this University of Florida program, which is apparently doing great work.

For full coverage and more stories like it, be sure to check out Advancing the Teaching Profession.